Ayodhya: A three-way split for peace

Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), which played a major role in the mass movement aimed at building a Ram temple at the Babri mosque site, said the ruling should not be seen as a victory or defeat for anyone.

"This has almost cleared the way for building a grand Ram temple," he said, asking people to forget the bitterness of the past.

The Nirmohi Akhara, one of the three parties allotted a third of the disputed land, hailed the ruling as a "victory for all people who have faith in Lord Ram" but quickly added that it was no defeat or victory for any religion.

Hindu lawyer and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad urged Muslims, India's largest religious minority, to help in building a Ram temple at Ayodhya.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stepped in soon after the verdict was announced, convening a high-level meeting to discuss the way ahead. The central government is the custodian of the land where a makeshift Ram temple stands.

"The correct conclusion, at this stage, is that the status quo will be maintained until the cases are taken up by the Supreme Court," he said. "I have full faith in the people of India. I also have full vondidence in the traditions of secularism..."

Image: People watch a TV news channel for the Ayodhya verdict near the Jama Masjid in New Delhi on Thursday.